The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) will establish
a new Digital Enterprise Laboratory (DEL) to help local companies upgrade
their design technology and to enter the e-commerce driven manufacturing
business.

This initiative has received sponsorship and endorsement from Dassault Systemes,
IBM Corporation and Mtech Engineering Co Ltd in addition to the ten manufacturing
companies signed up as strategic partners. Dassault Systemes and IBM have
donated to the Laboratory CATIA V5 and ENOVIA software amounting to a total
of HK$40 million.

The key partners and sponsors-----HKUST, Dassault Systemes, IBM, Mtech Engineering
Co Ltd-will meet on 28 February at an opening ceremony to formally commit
to the creation of this new laboratory. DEL will provide local manufacturing
companies with training and support in leading-edge software-based design
technology.

"The explosive growth of e-commerce is revolutionizing the manufacturing
industry. We envision that successful companies will be those who can build
upon the strength of conventional commerce to create a new business model
where customers from any corner of the world can receive the best value
offered anywhere in the world," said Prof Mitchell M Tseng, Head of the
Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management.

"Dassault Systemes is proud to be part of this four-partner initiative.
As part of its strategy, the company is willing to create partnership and
build networked companies that help implement the Digital Enterprise Vision.
Today, with this Laboratory, Dassault Systemes is joining forces to provide
leading-edge tools and thus promote the revolution in the manufacturing
industry," said Mr Francis Bernard, Executive Committee Advisor and Member
of Board of Dassault Systemes.

"This Laboratory will provide Asian manufacturers with the power of the
digital enterprise technology, thus creating significant business opportunities.
IBM Engineering Solutions will be a key actor in this partnership, providing
value-added support and service," said Ms Yu Xu Guang, IBM China Engineering
Solutions Manager.

"To be successful in the global market, local industries have to optimize
their use of manufacturing tools and make radical changes towards new product
development processes. This Digital Enterprise Laboratory will help customers
achieve this technological breakthrough," said Mr Stephen Au, Managing Director
of Mtech Engineering Co Ltd, which will provide the laboratory with technical
support and product development assistance.

Media representatives are welcome to cover the opening
ceremony, to be followed by a demonstration of the application of
advanced web technologies in business environment. Details are as
follows: